Enterprise Students Pitch For Success At Wake Smith

Sheffield College students have successfully pitched for investment at a Dragon’s Den style event at Wake Smith Solicitors’ offices.

Pictured: Enterprise students Jordan Hibberd and Kosmas Eleftheriou.

Jordan Hibberd impressed judge, and Kalcrest Managing Director, Steve Davies with his sign making company Invictus Signage receiving a positive commitment from Steve for financial input into his business plan.

Jordan said: "I am very grateful for the feedback I received from the successful entrepreneurs and I think the experience will help me to move forward and progress with what I want to do. Thanks again to everyone involved.”

Business consultant Marie Cooper, from MGC Associates Limited, agreed to purchase 50 t-shirts and 50 mugs for the Get up to Speed event in March from student Cameron Thomas.

Fellow judge Deborah Lockwood, from Graywoods, is also hoping to meet students Amy Wilson and Sophie Oak to help her bring their ideas for cosmetics businesses into reality through mentoring.

The Pitching for Success event, organised by the College's Peter Jones Enterprise Academy, saw 16 students, aged 16-18, present to a panel of entrepreneurs and business leaders in the Wake Smith boardroom.

Organiser Jill White said: “Having been involved with this pitch event for several years I always think the standard cannot get any better - but it does. The young people are a credit to the College, the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy and the tutors. Their confidence, business awareness and understanding of the subject shines through.”

Wake Smith Directors John Baddeley and Liz Shaw were among the judges who sat in on the presentations. John Baddeley said: “The level of maturity and calmness under pressure shown by the presenters was particularly impressive. The Peter Jones Enterprise Academy should be applauded for their expertise in fostering budding entrepreneurs.”

Liz Shaw added: “I was very impressed with the enthusiasm and preparation shown by all the presenters. It was evident that all had worked hard and they showed great maturity. It was a privilege to hear their ideas.”

Jordan Hibberd and Kosmas Eleftheriou, with his UniCOne business, won best pitches during the day with both students being rewarded with a £25 voucher from Wake Smith. All students received two tickets each to Jump Inc from Dan Glover.

The judging panel also included James Biggin from Steel City, Dan Glover from Jump Inc, Alex Barlow from Sentinel Brewery, James Wilson from The Sleep Geek, Callum Flanagan from Grant Thornton and Rachel Fletcher from Sheffield Growth Hub.

Find out more about full-time courses and facilities at the College's next open day on Tuesday, January 24th.